The Islanders open their season with a visit to Pittsburgh to tackle the Penguins, who’re already 1-0 because of a win over the listless Rangers on Tuesday night.
The Penguins didn’t appear to be world-beaters in that 3-0 win, however they did put collectively a strong defensive effort in entrance of Arturs Silovs, who stopped all 25 photographs he confronted in his Pittsburgh debut.
The Pens made it simple on Silovs in crunch time, holding the Blueshirts to only 5 photographs on aim within the last body.
It was an encouraging effort from the Penguins, who’re projected to be one of many worst groups within the NHL this season, however one which had as a lot to do with their rudderless opponent as the rest.
Islanders vs. Penguins odds, prediction
The Penguins had been in a position to skate out of Madison Sq. Backyard with two factors because of a powerful defensive show and standout goaltending.
That must be the recipe for achievement in Pittsburgh this season, because the Pens simply don’t have the offensive pop to interact in high-event contests.
Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson and Evgeni Malkin can nonetheless wreck a sport on their very own, however their supporting solid is skinny.
The Islanders, in the meantime, are as deep up entrance as they’ve been in years, however the protection could possibly be a priority.
Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat would be the principal drivers for the Isles up entrance, however they need to get loads of assist from Anders Lee, Kyle Palmieri, Jonathan Drouin and Simon Holmstrom.
Issues may get even rosier if Maxim Shabanov, Anthony Duclair, Emil Heineman and Max Tsyplakov make good on their potential.
Betting on the NHL?
The blueline doesn’t look as sturdy.
Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock are years faraway from being top-of-the-line shutdown pairings within the NHL, whereas the duo of Tony DeAngelo and Alex Romanov could possibly be an journey.
Matthew Schaefer is predicted to be a wunderkind, however that is his NHL debut. Onerous to know what to anticipate out of the No. 1 general decide straight away.
Pittsburgh’s lack of offensive chunk may let the Islanders off the hook defensively, however it’s simple to see how the Penguins have some success towards what initiatives to be an underwhelming blueline.
The identical goes for the Isles, who profile as a four-line staff with an underrated quantity of offensive firepower.
I believe this sport in the end opens up, which favors the Islanders. It additionally lands us on the Over 5.5, which appears approach too brief given the stylistic matchup anticipated Thursday.
The Play(s): Islanders ML (-122, FanDuel) | Over 5.5 (-122, FanDuel)
Why Belief New York Publish Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, however a long-profiting sports activities bettor with 10 years of expertise within the playing business. He loves utilizing sport concept to assist punters win bracket swimming pools, discover lengthy photographs, and discover ways to beat the market in mainstream and area of interest sports activities.
